Host Pakistan has recalled opening batter Fakhar Zaman and allrounder Faheem Ashraf for the Champions Trophy and ruled out Saim Ayub due to a broken ankle.

Veteran Fakhar Zaman is in the mix, having played a monumental role in the 2017 Champions Trophy final. He scored a maiden ODI ton (114 off 106 deliveries) at The Oval, London, as Pakistan beat India by 180 runs to claim the silverware. Also recalled are Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel.

Despite the criticism, Pakistan's national selector Asad Shafiq defended the selection, highlighting Faheem's experience and his role as a fast-bowling all-rounder. Shafiq emphasised that Faheem’s inclusion provides the team with an option for a fast-bowling all-rounder, which is crucial for the squad’s balance.

The tournament will miss the presence of two former world champions, Sri Lanka and the West Indies, as they failed to qualify for this year's competition.

From experienced campaigners making a comeback to a key run-scorer being sidelined by injury, there were multiple talking points from Pakistan's 15-member Champions Trophy squad.

Pakistan have finally announced their squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy. Fakhar Zaman returns while Babar Azam is set for a new role.

The Pakistan Cricket Board said that it can make changes to the squad until February 11 as per the International Cricket Council's rules

The hosts have announced their squad for the 2025 edition, as their '2017 Final Hero' makes a sensational return to the side. Read below.

Pakistan announces its squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with Mohammad Rizwan as captain. Notable absentee Saim Ayub misses out due to injury, whereas veteran Fakhar Zaman returns. The team will face New Zealand and India in the group stage under the guidance of Interim Coach Aaqib Javed.